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ENNIS Town Council is seeking a meeting with Clare’s most senior Garda to discuss crime related issues in the town including anti-social be- neha col eue

Members invited Chief Superin- tendent Gerry Mahon to address the council at the June monthly meeting of Ennis Town Council.

Figures from Ennis Town Council show a major drop in the number of prosecutions for people consuming alcohol on streets and public places in the three-year period from 2003

to 2005.

In 2003, there were 73 prosecutions while in 2004 that figure fell to 12. Figures for 2005 show that only two people were prosecuted by the coun- ote

The issue was raised in the cham- ber by Green Party councillor Donal O’Bearra who asked that the council provide a report in relation to the suc- cess or otherwise of the Ennis Town Council Prohibition of Consumption of Intoxicating Liquor on Streets and in Public Byelaws 2000.

Cllr O’Bearra said he had noticed increased numbers of people drink-

ing on the streets.

“T put forward this motion because it seems to me that there are more and more people strolling around the town with cans. In the interest of public safety, I would be very con- cerned at the number of people on the street with alcohol. I would like us to be able to meet with the Gaurds on a regular basis to discuss issues like this.”

Independent councillor Frankie Neylon suggested that the council meet with Chief Superintendent Ma- teva

“It would be a very beneficial for us

to get a picture of what is going on in the town. We could invite the chief Superintendent to come in and meet with the council.”

Independent councillor Tommy Brennan supported the proposal and said he had heard of inequalities in the present system of bylaws.

“I would definitely support that suggestion. It would be a useful ex- ercise. Its not always the lads that are drinking that are the ones caught. I know of a case of someone up by me where there was a load of lads drink- ing on his land and he ended up be- ing brought to court over it.”

A 50TH birthday with a difference will be celebrated in Shannon later this month.

‘The Big 50s bash’ is the multiple birthday celebration for dozens of Shannon men and women who are turning 50 this year.

The event will be twofold – it will mark the special occasion and will also form part of a reunion for many of those who have lost touch over the years.

The celebration is the brainchild of Gail Fean, who has decided that, as she turns 50, she should get back in touch with many of her former schoolfriends!

“We needed to do something like

this for years. There are at least 50 of us going to be 50 this year,’ she CrHTOR

“IT thought that we needed to locate people who have been and gone and try to get them back for one bash. We were the babies of Shannon and we are now the parents of Shannon,” she PALO

Gail grew up in Shannon and moved to Cork for many years. Although she returned to Shannon in 1994, she never regained contact with many of her former friends.

“We haven’t met up in years. We would have been the class of 1969 – 69 in St Senan’s, when there was very, very little to do. It was so tight that fifth and sixth classes shared the same room back then. After leav-

ing there, we had the choice of the Comp’ or boarding schools away from the town. People split up then. The bulk of us stayed in Shannon, but commitments pulled many oth- ers in all directions,’ she said.

“We were all very close, but we drifted,” she added.

Ms Fean said there are also plans to make this event an annual celebra- nee

“It is good to have a different out- let. I think we will do something every year to keep the spirit going. Let’s hope this is the first of many reunions in Shannon,” she said.

A number of those who will attend on the night are also planning to walk the Clare People 10k, on June 23. Participants in the 10k are given

the opportunity to donate to a char- ity of their choice and the Shannon group will donate to kidney dialysis units.

The party will take place at the Oakwood Arms Hotel, at 9pm, on Saturday, June 23. Tickets, at a cost of €30, are available from committee members Gail Fean, Fergus Cough- lan, Heather Halton and Claire Mc- Cracken or by phoning 087 4160876 or 086 8206557.

THE IFA has launched a blistering attack on Kerry Co-Op, accusing the company of ‘pocketing’ the money generated by the upsurge in the mar- ket and not passing anything on to JE Du nN ace

The IFA’s National Dairy Com- mittee Chairman, Richard Kennedy, commented on Wednesday that the May 1.4c/l (6.3c/gal) milk price in- crease by Kerry fell 2c/l (9c/gal) short of the 30c/l +VAT benchmark which co-ops “can easily afford” in the present record dairy market re- aebw ete

Kennedy accused the board of Ker- ry of ‘letting down’ its suppliers by following the deliberately weak tone set by Glanbia and failing to pass

back a much higher price increase. He accused both Kerry and Glan- bia of corporate greed in pocketing most of the market upswing. “Sup- pliers demand their fair share of the massive market improvements. It 1s absolutely legitimate after five years of constant price cuts in view of the huge surge in markets,” he said.

“Yet, so far, most dairy farmers have received less than 20 per cent of the historical return increases of the last 12 months. There are already sions of real anger that they are be- ing cheated of fully justified price increases.

Kerry and Glanbia have now in- creased their milk price by a total of 3.6c/l (16c/gal) and 4c/l (18c/gal) respectively, but both have benefited from IDB SMP/butter increases of

three times as much, at 12.7c/l (58c/ gal), as well as significant equivalent increases on returns for most of their product mix.

“Dairy farmers must not be hood- winked by their first milk price in- creases in over five years — 30c/I is the price they received over 10 years ago. They should demand from their board members a far better milk price than Kerry and Glanbia’s in- crease,’ he continued.

“Farmers cannot afford to leave money on the table in this market up- swing when they have taken the full hit in milk price cuts over the past five years.

“The IFA has called for a 30c/I +VAT May milk price, because it is economically fully justifiable, with current market returns, for co-ops to

pay this price and still improve their own margins. Indeed, markets are continuing to strengthen, and further milk price increases will be justified TbOMMO elem exoye sn batcanneleyelne tne

MEMBERS of Clare County Coun- cil last night agreed to extend the town boundary of Shannon to facili- tate the expansion of the town.

County manager Alec Fleming rec- ommended the extension apart from the inclusion of a townland, Clon- money West, in anticipation of the population of Shannon and its envi- rons tripling by 2011.

Mr Fleming laid out the grounds cited for the extension in a document that went before the council’s June meeting in Inagh.

The document is to also go be- fore the members of Shannon ‘Town Council.

Mr Fleming said that the residents of Shannon town and its environs were to be brought under a single ad- ministration with devoted electoral representation for all communities within the expanded town.

The proposed expanded town would be better able to deal adminis- tratively with the future development of the town.

He said that Shannon town resi- dents had no significant input into the running of the affairs of Shan-

aCe em KO). a0e

Mr Fleming also stated that an expanded Shannon town would be better able to promote the social, economic, sporting and cultural fa- cilities and amenities and integrated os ATA CCL IB UOTE A OLoeEs Bote B

The document anticipates that the lands in the extension area could provide an additional 3,027 housing units that would satisfy the primary demand for accommodation in Shan- non town during the life of the cur- rent plan and to 2020.

However, Mr Fleming has ruled out an extension into the townland of

Clonmoney West.

He said: “Given the existing capac- ity of the zoned lands within Shan- non town, there would appear to be no valid reasons for the extension of Shannon town into such townlands save for the possible addition of 172 acres to the north.

“The incorporation of the town- lands into Shannon town would create unsustainable expectations amongst property owners that such areas would be identified for future short to medium term development.

“The development of these lands would be contrary to national poli-

cies and should be retained for agri- cultural and rural type uses.

Mr Fleming has conceded the as- sessment had not taken into account the financial consequences of the re- allocation of rates or capital contribu- tion income to the respective parties and the availability of transportation and infrastructural services.

He added that these issues were critical to the success or failure of the application and required more detailed information. But he rec- ommended the boundary extension apart from the Clonmoney West sec- won

A NEW facility for skaters in Ennis will be officially opened on Saturday, June 16. Mayor of Ennis Joe Reidy will officially open the skateboard park, which is the latest addition to facilities at the Lees Road sports and amenity park.

Sports Surfaces Ireland Ltd, the contractor responsible for the design of the skate park, has arranged for a skateboarding exhibition as part of the official programme of activities for the opening.

The development consists of a modular skate park on a 30m x 20m

concrete surface complete with two- metre high perimeter fence and ac- cess gates. Now that a specifically designed and purpose built skate- board park has been provided, Ennis Town Council intend to introduce new bye-laws prohibiting skateboard in public spaces around Ennis.

The new byelaws will mean that skateboarding can only take place at the new facility at the Lees Road sports and amenity park. According to Ennis Town Council, the statu- tory process will commence in the next few weeks. The council is also seeking input from the general pub- lic throughout the process with the

draft budgets and any submissions received to be considered by the council in the autumn.

The announcement of the official Opening of the skate park was made at the June monthly meeting of Ennis SKon stm Oxeltbntene

At that meeting, councillors raised concerns over safety measures in place at the park and any potential liability risk to the council.

Green Party councillor Donal O’Beara said those using the park must be aware that safety equipment must be worn at all time in the park.

He said, “It is very important, in terms of reducing the liability risk to

the council, that safety gear is worn by people when using the facility.”

This sentiment was echoed by Inde- pendent councillor Tommy Brennan who also asked whether the council could rent out safety equipment.

“The people who looked for the skate park should be notified that safety equipment must be worn. Is it possible that this equipment could be rented out.”

The need for a new skating facility in Ennis first emerged in 2005 when the council proposed the introduc- tion of bye-laws that would prohibit the use of skateboard, roller blades or any other vehicle in any park.

AND so the curtain has finally come down on Clare’s soccer season. Eve- ryone in the County Grounds on Saturday evening were singing from the same hymn sheet. It was some curtain call for fans of the garrison game.

There were many strands to make the occasion. The summer sunshine was one such strand — the biggest advertisement yet that summer soc- cer could be the way to if the game is finally flourish.

The hard sod, shaved to within a couple of inches of its life by dedi- cated groundsman Tommy Austin; the sun on players’ backs. Then came the football, something shy of cham- pagne football but still high on enter-

tainment.

The ingredients were there before- hand. Town versus Country 1s just as compelling in the garrison game as it is in games of the Gael. The spirit of the country against the skill of the townies.

Avenue United. The masters and undisputed kings of Clare soccer over the past quarter of a century. Seven times cup champions, a hat- ful of leagues too, not forgetting the romance of their affairs with the FAI Junior Cup.

It was way back in 1990 when the Avenue Kop set up home on the ter- races of Dalymount Park when the Avenue took on a crack Cherry Or- chard side in the blue riband of the amateur game in Ireland — Europe for that matter as the FAI is the big-

gest knockout competition on the continent.

Alas, it wasn’t to be for the Avenue back then, but their pride of place in the Clare game was secured on that romantic run through Ireland. The players’ place was also secured — John the Man, Johnny Purtill, Ray Casey, Mannix and many more.

John O’Malley and Noelie Purtill are still around the team — the joint- managers patrolled the sideline on Saturday with the same enthusiasm they showed in their playing days.

Barking instructions, giving out, but always encouraging. Preaching a work ethic, but wanting that married with total football at the same time. It’s a townie thing, a skill thing that found expression in Mikie Mahony and many more on the Avenue team.

Mikie seemed born for this day — he dazzled like the summer sun and while the brave Moher defence kept him at bay for most of the game he wasn’t to be denied his moment of glory.

PAV AKO MYL TKCK\, ONG (omc MED EN LUbosloloems Oye joy while the Moher Magpies lay strewn on the pitch. So near and yet so far —1n many ways they were the team of the year in Clare soccer, but bridesmaids at the same time.

Premier League runners-up and now cup runners-up.

Aidan Moloney summed up their torment. The Puddin had given eve- rything, slotted the penalty that had the Magpies dreaming of glory and kept going for 110 minutes.

All for nothing, except for hope that their day will finally come.

It must, but this was Avenue’s. The bluebloods of Clare soccer.

MEMBERS of Clare County Coun- cil last night railed against new Gov- ernment measures that could sound the deathknell for extensions to graveyards around the county.

New legislation requires volun- tary groups to secure consent from the National Monuments section of the Department of the Environ- ment to extend graveyards. Cllr Tom Prendeville (FF) said last night that the prohibitive cost of carrying out Surveys was stopping graveyard ex- tensions from proceeding.

Receiving support from all sides of the council chamber in Inagh last night, Cllr Prendeville said that vol- untary groups were “being caught in a Straitjacket of red tape and bureaucracy in seeking to extend eae NONE DKO ae

Cllr Prendeville said that the leg- islation came from an EU Directive. Cllr Patricia McCarthy (Ind) said, “This stupid legislation is being nod- ded through the Oireachtas without thinking of the consequences. Com- mon sense has to prevail.”

Cllr Michael Kelly (FF) said that there was an instance of the local people in Kilnaboy seeking to carry out works to their graveyard but be- fore they could do anything, they had to carry out an archaeological survey at a cost of €30,000.

Cllr Prendeville said that it was ironic in this day and age that ar- chaeologists could be made available for road building but not available for graveyards, while Cllr Pat Keane (FF) said, “I fear that these measures will result in the deathknell of grave- yard extensions around the county.”

Cllr Martin Conway (FG) said, “It is an appalling situation. Voluntary groups should be able to reclaim the costs of the surveys from Clare County Council and funding should be made available from national gov- ernment to councils on the issue. If we cannot respect our dead, we don’t have respect for ourselves’.

In his response, county engineer Tom Carey said he agreed with eve- rything that was said by councillors and agreed to the suggestion that a Department of the Environment rep- resentative attend a council meeting.

THE race may be over for Clare’s newest TD’s Joe Carey and Timmy Dooley but it’s only beginning for thousands due to take park in the Clare People 10k walk/run.

Deputy Dooley (FF) and Deputy Carey (FG) were in Lees Road to lend their support to Clare Youth Service, one of the organisations set to benefit from the annual event.

The CYS say there has been a dras- tic shortfall in the level of funding available for the youth sector in the county.

The service has launched an urgent appeal for the development of facil1-

ties for young people around Clare.

The service 1s currently in the proc- ess of building a dedicated youth Space, practice space and recording studio. However despite intensive fundraising €30,000 is still needed to meet the final cost of develop- ment.

Clare Youth Service are calling on any groups or individuals interested in the development of youth orien- tated facilities to make a donation or take a sponsorship card from the service for the Clare 10k walk/run to be held on Saturday, June 23.

Youth Work Manager Margaret Slattery explained that to date the service has received funding towards

the development of the faculties from the Ennis Lions Club.

Young people have also undertaken a number of fundraising initiatives with more than €20,000 collected OMe r-NKon

But €83,000 is still needed to cover the complete cost of development.

The Clare Youth Service bands project, which has been in existence since 1996 has an excellent reputa- tion and is the model on which serv- ices around Ireland are basing the development of similar projects.

The project in Ennis involves hun- dreds of young people each year and the development of the facility would allow the project to offer both

certified and non-certified tuition in sound engineering, multimedia and related topics.

Sponsorship cards are available from Pat McMullin on 68 45350, Jean Tierney on 68 45356 and from Margaret Slattery on 68 45367. Do- nations can also be made to Clare Youth Service, Carmody Street, En- Whe

HE’S BEEN involved with all strands of inter-county hurling bar senior and Kevin Kennedy has decided this will be his last stand, his final year. Understandably, he wants to go out with an explosion on the field and a fifth Munster Final with a Clare side would provide reward in itself.

Back in ’97 and °98, Kennedy was involved with the Clare minors when they reached the provincial decider. He was there in ’99 with the Under- 21s and two years later with the in- termediates. It’s familiar territory by now, but he knows the path to the big stage 1s speckled with tricky encoun- ters and Clare’s next task arrives on Sunday and a meeting with an un- known Waterford side.

It’s nothing new of course and Kennedy understands it is his lot as inermediate boss to encounter sides about whom not much is known. It’s a pitfall nonetheless.

“We’re wary because Waterford haven’t played a game all year and all through my involvement with Clare

sides, I haven’t come up against Waterford too often,” he says. “The only time I was with Clare when we played Waterford was with the mi- nors in 1996.”

It was the win against Cork that earned Kennedy a second shot against Waterford and that day, in front of a skeleton crowd in Semple Stadium, Clare delivered a match winning performance in the second half. Mark Flaherty impressed in front of the posts and ended up with eight points, Damien Kennedy began to take charge around the middle and John Reddan gave a match winning display at centre-back.

“We conceded 1-1 in two minutes against Cork and at that stage you might have thought our fellas would wilt. Other Clare teams at this grade might have done at that stage but not these guys. They’re winners. I’ve had intermediate teams in the past but you can see these guys are good, honest hurlers. I intentionally stayed away from involving Under-21s or fringe senior players because I want- ed a tight and committed squad. It’s a

small panel but it’s close-knit.”

As word seeped through that Red- dan — captain of the intermediates —turned down the offer of a place on the senior panel this week, Kennedy sensed the will to complete the task in Munster was alive and thriving in his squad.

“I’d love to see these lads get some- thing out of the season. In general, they’re hardworking players who put in a huge amount of effort at club level and it goes unrecognised at inter-county level a lot of the time. Most would have played for Clare at underage so that’s a big plus. They know the ropes. The average age of the panel is in the mid-20s so there’s plenty of scope for players to go on and make a name for themselves at senior level. That’s what we’d be hoping.”

That fifth Munster Final for Kennedy would put those players in the shop window. Since the Cork game just over a fortnight back, they’ve regrouped and focused once more. Last week they played Bor- risoleigh in a challenge. It sprung a

few headaches and a few surprises, but Kennedy was happy with the progress made.

‘Fellas who would normally play well didn’t perform. It’s not a worry because some just can’t get into the right frame of mind for challenges. They know they’ll be judged against Waterford on Sunday.”

Enda Collins is unlikely to start be- cause of an injury to his thumb and the availability of Seanie Moloney — who fractured a thumb – is also a concern to Kennedy. Alan McNa- mara will undergo a fitness test on Wednesday evening but these are the workaday worries of a seasoned manager and Kennedy knows how to cope.

CLARE County Council has refused planning permission for contentious plans to establish a “casino-style” business in Shannon.

Former Clare hurling captain, Bri- an Lohan and incoming Clare mayor, Cllr. Patricia McCarthy (Ind) had called the plans into question.

An observation submitted on be- half of the double All-Ireland win- ning hurler claims that the proposed “new use is incompatible with the designated office and retail use of devRmolUODCennsToaae

The submission pointed out that Mr Lohan was occupying the “EBS

financial services and Brian Lohan Auctioneering’ businesses at the ground floor of the proposed club.

The submission claimed that the club would not create desirable syn- ergies and also, would introduce un- desirable congregations of people in the vicinity of Mr Lohan’s property therefore damaging his business and other businesses around.

In her submission, Cllr. McCarthy claimed that the “the use of the term ‘members club’ without defining e1- ther the membership, their role or proposed activities is an attempt at subterfuge and further is plainly also an attempt to circumvent the rights of the public to know what the ulti-

mate function and activities of the development is.

“The proposed development lacks clarity and is open to a number of different interpretations. The pro- posed development as submitted by reason of lacking in specifics cannot be judged or its potential effect on the surrounding area determined.”

Developer, John O’Donovan re- vealed that the club would contain a number of adult amusement ma- chines and live card tables super- vised by a club director.

He stated, “This club’s primary function is to attract the large tour- ist base in the area and especially an American market that are familiar

and look for this type of adult en- tertainment and can only be a great benefit to tourism in the Shannon region.”

However, the council refused plan- ning permission having regard to the nature of the proposed development and character of the surrounding area. It ruled that the proposal would reduce the attractiveness of the area and would impact negatively on the residential amenities of the adjacent properties.

The council also ruled that the loca- tion of the proposed facility outside Shannon would materially contra- vene the South-East Clare Develop- ment Plan.